Date: Sunday, 1 June 2025
Time: 15:00 IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
TV: Live on Sky Sports
The penultimate clash of IPL 2025 promises fireworks as Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians lock horns in Ahmedabad. With a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore up for grabs, this Qualifier is expected to be a high-scoring thriller.
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🏏 Form Guide & Team News
Punjab Kings enter this game off the back of a demoralising collapse against RCB, bowled out for just 101. While pitch conditions were questioned, the consensus is that the pressure of the occasion got the better of them. Punjab’s inconsistency and chaotic tendencies remain a concern, especially without key overseas players.
Injury Watch: Marco Jansen is unavailable; Yuzvendra Chahal’s fitness is uncertain but crucial.
Options: Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett could come into consideration for overseas allrounder spots.
Projected XI: Arya, Prab Singh, Inglis, Wadhera, Iyer, Stoinis, Shahshank, Omarzai, Jamieson, Arshdeep, Chahal
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Mumbai Indians, by contrast, arrive with confidence after a dominant win over Gujarat Titans, defending a mammoth 228. While Rohit Sharma dazzled with a 50-ball 81, it was Jasprit Bumrah’s miserly spell that turned heads, proving once again his unmatched value in high-pressure scenarios.
Recent Changes: Bairstow and Gleeson slotted in for Rickleton and Will Jacks in the last game.
Projected XI: Rohit, Bairstow, Yadav, Tilak, Hardik, Dhir, Santner, Bhawa, Boult, Bumrah, Gleeson
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🏟️ Pitch & Conditions – Runs Expected to Flow
Ahmedabad has lived up to its reputation for batting-friendly conditions this season. Four of the seven matches played here have seen first-innings scores exceeding 220. Teams batting first must aim for at least 200 to feel secure.
Team Averages: Punjab and Mumbai both score around 9.5 to 10 runs per over.
Boundary Watch: Both teams are prolific when it comes to six-hitting, with Mumbai edging out Punjab in averages this season.
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🔍 Key Storylines to Watch
Mental Edge: Punjab topped the league table and have already beaten Mumbai this season. Can they channel composure under pressure this time?
Mumbai’s Aura: Despite patchy performances, Mumbai’s big-game pedigree and Bumrah’s impact often sway momentum in their favour.
Strategic Toss Impact: If Mumbai bat first and post big, Punjab’s batting temperament could be put to the test.
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🌟 Players to Watch
Tilak Varma (Mumbai): Quietly consistent and statistically strong against the Punjab bowling attack, he is due for a top performance.
Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai): Continues to be Mumbai’s X-factor — restricting opposition scoring rates even in run-fests.
Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab): His availability could be pivotal on a flat deck that demands control and guile.
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🧠 Tactical Take
This match could go down to mental strength as much as skill. Punjab’s recent dip suggests they may need to chase to be at their best, while Mumbai’s reliance on big names might yet be tested by a side with a point to prove.
Both teams are capable of posting — or chasing — 200+, and fans can expect nothing less than a power-packed showdown as the road to the final intensifies.
